Nothing Wasted

“Where did you go to, if I may ask?’ said Thorin to Gandalf as they rode along.To look ahead,’ said he.And what brought you back in the nick of time?’Looking behind,’ said he.”– J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

Looking ahead is what we do. For the most part, we all like to know in advance—hoping we can do something about the things we know absolutely nothing about.

It’s like we “think” we need to help God. Are you kidding me? You know–you do the same. I’m not the only one.

I use the excuse of “needing to plan ahead”….ha. The real deal is the fact that we want to know so that we can make alternative plans or ADJUST His plan… That’s the TRUE REAL DEAL.

We want to know so we can “advise God and give Him input…. be careful. You and I will hear the same speech Job did. Were we there when He cast the line for the waves to stop? Were we present when the morning stars sang and all the sons of God shouted for joy–all for Him? (Read Job 38)

What I’ve been hearing over and over in my heart–through reading The Word and in messages, “trust-and-wait”. They go together like peas and carrots (Forrest would say).

In the story of our lives, God leaves nothing out. There are things we don’t know- yet- and things we will never know, this side of heaven. (That is where trust comes in…)

We participate in each word, line and punctuation of the details of our lives—as we live it. Only He knows the advance of our days. He’s been to our tomorrow and has a sovereign plan—and gives us the opportunity to put faith into action when the punctuation of our story turns to question marks.

Psalms 139:1-6says:O Lord, you have examined my heartand know everything about me.You know when I sit down or stand up.You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.You see me when I traveland when I rest at home.You know everything I do.You know what I am going to sayeven before I say it, Lord.You go before me and follow me.You place your hand of blessing on my head.Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,too great for me to understand!

We are held in the promise of His Sovereignty. We will never—ever face anything that He hasn’t looked and either orchestrated or approved…FOR OUR GOOD.

What does that look like? Our good may not necessarily be desirous of us on the given day it actually happens…but, I can honestly say, after living 5 decades, it is for our good. And He is dependable.

I may believe Him for something for more than 10 years…but when the miracle arrives, the years and tears no longer matter. Like Gandalf, in the story of The Hobbit, He’s looking ahead. He sees your tomorrow. And you can stake the promise that when every need arises, He’s there in “the nick of time” for each of us.

There is no need for us to look behind….unless of course we are counting our blessings…

Then, by all means, we should look behind, count them and thank The Giver of Life.